HomeMy Public PortalAbout2024-01_MunicipalInsight_webmunicipal insightmunicipal insight
“ “Keeping you informed about January/February 2024Keeping you informed about January/February 2024
your municipal government” your municipal government”
After the last round of Capital Grant program ap-
plications, it was found that there are commu-
nity groups with capital projects that didn't fit within
either of the available grant programs designated for
capital projects (Major Capital or Small Capital).
For example, Major Capital Grants are for innovation
and building capacity; something new to contribute
to the Municipality and enhance the quality of life for
residents - not for maintenance. Also groups that re-
quire repairs costing greater than $10,000 (the maxi-
mum under the Small Capital Grant program) would
not be eligible
Council recognized that changes should be made
to the Small Capital Grant criteria and Municipal staff
were asked to review the program with Council. Last
December, Council approved several changes that
would open the grant to make more projects eligible
for funding.
The previous Small Capital Grant program had a
maximum funding amount of $10,000. The purpose
was to support groups that have minor capital equip-
ment needs, and Council could fund up to 100% of a
project.
Funding for the Small and Major Capital grants
comes from Wind Revenue Reserve under the um-
brella of Community Development. For the 2023-24
budget year, the Major Capital budget was $250,000
and the Small Capital budget was $25,000 for a total
of $275,000.
The amount of funding to community groups from
the Municipality is higher than in most areas, but
NEW FUNDING CRITERIA
Municipality introduces improved grant programs for non-profits
Chester Municipal Grant Programs.
“Fun”ding communities.
Every year, the Municipality of Chester improves communities by funding many non-profit
community groups and youth through our grant programs.
• Community Capital Grant - application deadline is January 31.
• Major Capital Grant - application deadline is January 31.
• District Grant - contact your district Councillor. Applications received all year round.
• Operating Grant - application deadline is April 30.
• Recreation Grant - application deadline for 2024 is October 4.
• Economic Development Sponsorship - contact Economic Development at 902-275-4147.
• PRO Kids - applications received all year round.
• Youth Sponsorship Grant - applications received all year round.
• Leadership Training - applications received all year round.
All grant programs have eligibility requirements. Download the guidelines and applications at
www.chester.ca/government/grants-and-sponsorship or telephone 902-275-3490 and let us
help you choose the grant program that’s right for you.
Council recognizes that key infrastructure owned by
the public has a meaningful impact on the community.
Council came to the conclusion that the maximum
funding amount available to groups under the Small
Capital budget should be increased based on eligibil-
ity. Therefore, groups that DO NOT own a community
facility are eligible for up to a maximum of $10,000.
Groups that DO own a community facility and need
to make upgrades to core infrastructure (i.e. roof, me-
chanical systems) are eligible for up to a maximum of
mysurveys.pro/chester
HOW DO
YOU MOVE?
We welcome
your
FEEDBACK
and preferences, and you can be entered to win one
Your input will inform our
strategies to promote
physical activity and active,
healthy lifestyles
Please complete our survey
at mysurveys.pro/chester
For more information,
please contact:
Community Development
& Recreation Services
ATTN: Gord Tate
gtate@chester.ca
902-275-3490
This survey is being conducted by the NS Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage
on behalf of the Municipality of Chester.
2024 PropertyAssessments are nowavailable!
In the Municipality of the District of Chester this winter...
Anti-Racism &
Diversity Coordinator
Hiring for regional position... Feedback! Looking for feedback! 2024 Property Assessments are out!
We are looking for that Please complete a Check your mail and look
special someone... survey on "how you on Page 7 for some
Check page 2. move (Page 3). important info.
$20,000.
The criteria was updated to assist community groups
to enhance their facilities or better serve the public.
Given these changes, the name of the grant program
is now the "Community Capital Grant".
Other grants available through the Municipality are:
Major Capital Grant - covers up to a maximum of 70%
of a large capital project budget and funding amount
is greater than $20,000. The project must either be
related to a new facility or expand the capacity of an
existing facility, but building maintenance and repair
are not eligible.
District Grant - available to groups by applying to the
Councillor representing their district. Each District is
provided $10,000 for disbursement.
Operating Grant - Non-profits can apply for up to
$3,000 for operating costs.
Recreation Grant - Non-profits whose primary pur-
pose is to operate, sponsor, or encourage recration
program, activities, and facilities within the Municipal-
ity of Chester. Maximum request is $3,000.
PRO Kids - Financial assistance to youth for registra-
tion fees and equipment costs related to sport and
recreation activities. The intent is to help families with
limited income.
Youth Sponsorship Grant - To assist youth who have
been selected to attend a recognized sanction event
at the provincial, national or international level. Can
provide up to $2,000.
Leadership Training - Funds for training, certifica-
tion, or workshops related to coaching and leadership
positions. Will cover up to 50% of fees.
For more information on criteria and our application
forms, visit our website at www.chester.ca/govern-
ment/grants-and-sponsorship. If you have questions
on which is the right grant for you or your organiza-
tion, please call 902-275-3490 and let us help!
COUNCIL & GOVERNANCEMessage from
the Warden
Let's start on a positive note: Happy
New Year to all! We all face many
challenges, both personally and
collectively. This year, I hope that we can
all rise to the occasion and meet those
challenges together, helping each other
and our communities.
In this edition, you will see details of
some of the changes we have made to our
grants programs, both for homeowners
and community organizations. These
changes were made to help us better
serve your needs. Please take the time
to review them and, as always, let us
know if we can help.
We are also in the process of reviewing
our strategic priorities for the upcoming
year. This is a broad-ranging document
that includes general service delivery,
financial capacity, capital spending
with a focus on sewer upgrades and
You can contact the Warden
by calling the Municipal
Office at (902) 275-3554,
calling his home at
(902) 275-2536, or emailing
awebber@chester.ca
2
expanded capacity, housing needs, and
how our Planning Strategy can be used
to support communities' needs among
many other issues.
We are also not far off from starting
work on our capital and operating
budget for the coming fiscal year. We
have been fortunate enough not to
have required a tax increase since 2017.
We remain in a solid financial position
and maintain a high level of service and
constantly try to improve our approach
without having a negative financial
impact.
There is a lot going on in our community
and the world we live in. It is by working
together and supporting each other that
we can achieve our goals and be proud
of our accomplishments.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Holidays & Observances: Municipal Offices will
close on Monday, February 19 to observe Heritage
Day. Kaizer Meadow Landfill will close and waste
collection (Week A) will be rescheduled to the Sat-
urday, February 17.
February is also African Heritage Month. The Mu-
nicipality will fly the Pan-African flag from Febru-
ary 1 to February 15 to demonstrate and strength-
en support for people of African descent.
Meeting Schedule: Council and Committee meet-
ings are open to spectators. The meeting schedule
for the rest of January and February is listed below:
• January 18 Council workshop (no
meeting)
• January 25 Council
• February 1 Committee of the Whole
• February 8 Council
• February 22 Committee of the Whole
• February 29 Council
Strategic Priorities: Council will review its Strate-
gic Priorities Chart on January 18. It will outline
and prioritize goals and areas of focus, which will
provide direction to staff for the next year.
Council identifies priorities by listening to resi-
dents and businesses, being aware of current pro-
vincial and federal mandates and available fund-
ing programs, and municipal needs (infrastructure
and services). Look for a summary in an upcoming
newsletter!
Municipal Building Options: Council is reviewing
options regarding Municipal Offices. Currently, we
have three storage units plus four locations that
store files and equipment. Council is looking for
options that will accommodate the public, staff,
and adhere to accessibility needs.
Solar Energy: The provincial government has
opened the application process for its solar energy
program. Under the program, Council is consider-
ing the installation of a community solar garden at
Kaizer Meadow Envrionment Centre. Discussions
are preliminary, but the first step would be to sub-
mit an application to the Province to determine if
we can even proceed.
Tender Awarded: Council awarded the Public Drop
Off/HHW Sandblast and Painting Tender (MODC-
T-2023-013) to LDG Contracting in the amount of
$88,000 (excluding HST).
New Road Name Assignment: The addition of a
new structure on the Bonny Lea Farm premises re-
quires that the road be named. The new name se-
lected was Berties Way in honour of Alberta Baker.
Letter of Support: Council wrote the Premier, NS
Department of Natural Resources and Renew-
ables, and the NS Department of Environment and
Climate Change requesting that the government
pause all harvesting and roadbuilding activities in
forests over 80 years old on Crown Land. This let-
ter is in support of the Save Our Old Forests (SOOF)
group and in the interest of old forest preserva-
tion.
IN BRIEF...
Anti-Racism &
Diversity Coordinator
3
PROVINCIAL SERVICES
The Provincial Government provides many services to Nova Scotians.
It's not always easy to find contact information, so we have composed
a list of common telephone numbers for your reference.
Department of Community Services .................. 1-877-424-1177
Child Abuse Registry checks for volunteers ........ 902-424-6798
Child Welfare Services ........................................ 902-543-4554
Income Assistance .............................................. 902-543-4554
Department of Education ................................... 902-424-5168
South Shore Regional Centre for Education ........902-541-3000
Department of Finance and Treasury Board .......902-424-5554
Consumer complaints ..........................................902-424-5613
Insurance enquiries .............................................902-424-6331
Pension regulation ...............................................902-424-8915
Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration ....1-844-424-5301
Apprenticeship Program (Bridgewater) ...............902-943-3699
Employment rights ..............................................888-315-0110
Labour Standard ..................................................902-424-4311
Occupational Health & Safety .............................800-952-2687
Technical Safety ..................................................902-424-5400
Workplace Innovation Incentive .........................844-850-2030
Youth Employment Programs ............................800-424-5418
Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing ....902-424-6642
Emergency Management Office ..........................902-424-5620
Office of the Fire Marshal ....................................902-424-5721
Department of Natural Resources ......................902-634-7555
Wildlife, forestry, energy efficiency and development, Crown land,
burning, geoscience, provincial parks, off-highway vehicles, etc.
Department of Public Works ...............................1-844-696-7737
Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care ........1-844-277-0770
Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives ........902-424-4415
Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change .......902-543-4685
Blue-green algae, drinking water, pollution, water testing, private
wells, hazardous materials, food safety, groundwater, etc.
PROVINCIAL CONTACTS
Winter Parking Ban Regulations are in effect from December 15 to March 31. Until the parking ban ends, you
cannot park on municipal property or any street in Chester or Western Shore between 1:00 and 6:00 a.m. ALSO,
you cannot park on the street an hour after a storm starts until two hours after it ends.
Your vehicle can be towed (at your expense) if you obstruct winter maintenance (like plowing, salting, sanding,
etc). Incidentally, if you plow driveways, it’s illegal to plow snow across a street or onto a sidewalk.
Call the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works to receive or report information on local roads. Their phone
number is toll free: 1-844-696-7737 or email dpw-occ@novascotia.ca. You can also access all of this information
(plus more) on their website: http://novascotia.ca/tran/winter
SNONOW PARKINGPARKING
If you own and/or drive a vehicle in If you own and/or drive a vehicle in Nova Scotia, there are a few things you Nova Scotia, there are a few things you need to know this winter.need to know this winter.
and when (road priority list). There is also some
safety information including road conditions and
a winter travel safety pdf.
You are responsible for
• following the Winter Parking Ban Regula-
tions;
• maintaining your own road if it is private;
• clearing your own driveway entrance after
the plow has passed by;
• reporting uncleared or messy sidewalks by
calling us at 902-275-1312;
• reporting road conditions to NSDPW; and
• using caution when winter traveling, wheth-
er walking, driving or biking.
Snow removal in the Municipality of Chester
(and pretty much in all municipalities) is a shared
effort between us, the NS Department of Public
Works (NSDPW), RCMP, and citizens.
The Municipality is responsible for our own
roads:
• Captains Way, Aspotogan
• Commodore Drive, Aspotogan
• Foxwood Drive, Mill Cove
• Lake Road, Mill Cove
• Landing Drive West, East River
• Endeavour Avenue, East River
• Millennium Drive, Chester
• Parkwood Drive, Mill Cove
We are responsible for plowing our own munici-
pal properties and infrastructure, including sewer
USUS
SNOW REMOVAL...us, them or you?
902-275-1312 office
plants and sidewalks. Our sidewalks are in Chester
Basin, Chester Village, Hubbards, Mill Cove, New
Ross, and Western Shore. We contract snow clear-
ing.
NSDPW is responsible for all provincial roads,
including highways, routes, and all roads repre-
sented by a green road sign. Examples are High-
way #103, Route #14 (Windsor Road), and Chester
Grant Road and most Village roads.
To make plowing easier for NSDPW, Winter Park-
ing Ban Regulations are in effect from December
15 to March 31 (see above), which the RCMP en-
force.
You can also visit http://novascotia.ca/tran/ and
check out cool things like NSDPW's Plow Tracker,
highway cameras, and which roads are plowed
THEMTHEM 511 information1-844-696-7737 Contact Ctr YOUYOU
The Best Of Nova Scotia in one place... www.investchester.ca
4
Saturday, Jan. 20 Fundraiser Breakfast District #1 Community Centre, 9-11am.
Sunday, Jan. 21
Our Global
Environmental
Challeng
is presented by the Athenaeum Society of
Nova Scotia at Ocean Swells Community
Centre, 2:30pm. Call 902-476-4465.
Saturday, Jan. 27
French Toast
Breakfast East Chester Recreation Hall, 8-11am.
Winterlude
St. Luke's Parish Hall, Hubbards, 11:30am-
1:30pm. Lunch and local artisans. Visit
www.twocoves.ca or call 902-670-4411.
Fish Fry Hubbards Area Lions Club, 3:30-5:30pm.
Call 902-857-9714 to pre-order by Jan. 24.
Junior Curling Team
Development Clinic
For info, visit www.chestercurlngclub.ca or
search ChesterCurlingClub on Facebook or
email info@chestercurlingclub.ca.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Adult Day Camp
Curling Development
Clinic
For info, visit www.chestercurlngclub.ca or
search ChesterCurlingClub on Facebook or
email info@chestercurlingclub.ca.
Crib Tournament Western Shore Legion, 1pm. For
information, all 902-627-2570.
Monday, Jan. 29 Drop-In Art Studio Ocean Swells Community Centre, 10am-
4pm.
Saturday, Feb. 3
Sunday, Feb. 4
Zone 13 Provincial
Darts
New Ross Legion, 10am. Call 902-299-0144
by Feb. 1 to register.
Sunday, Feb. 25 Crib Tournament Western Shore Legion, 1pm. For
information, all 902-627-2570.
Mondays
Coffee Social New Ross Legion, 9-11am.
TOPS meeting New Ross Legion, 5:45-7:00pm.
Darts New Ross Legion, 7:30pm
45s Western Shore Legion. Call 902-627-2570
for more information.
Tuesdays
Heritage Handwork
Drop-in
District #1 Community Centre on the 2nd
and 4th Tuesdays, 10am-4pm. Bring your
own mug along with portable handwork.
Crib Hubbards Area Lions Club, 7pm.
Wednesdays Auction 45s Little Red School, 7:30pm.
Thursdays
Two Coves Café
St. Luke's Anglican Parish Hall (10 Shore
Club Road), 9-11am. Free refreshments.
Visit twocoves.ca or @TwoCovesHubbards
on Facebook.
Bingo New Ross Legion, 7-10pm.
Fridays Friday Night Live New Ross Legion, 8:30pm.
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Canada Post Chester achieved a milestone last December,
unveiling its inaugural pictorial postmark. The postmark
was beautifully designed by Postmaster Laura Hyde McCulloch
(shown in photo) and tips its hat to Chester's rich sailing
heritage.
In a statement released by Canada Post Chester, "The new
postmark depicts a racing yacht, acknowledging the more
than 165 years of racing regattas held in the waters around
Chester. This tradition continues today with the Chester Yacht
Club holding its 122nd Annual Race Week this past August."
This unique postmark is now the permanent mark of the
Chester Post Office, making each piece of outgoing mail a
celebration of tradition.
MAKING WAVES
New postmark for Village of Chester Post Office
Didn't get your 2024 Waste
Collection Calendar?
Contact Solid Waste Services at
solidwaste@chester.ca
Arts & Culture Strategy Steering Committee
The Municipality of Chester is developing our first Arts & Culture Strategy. As part of that development, we are forming a Steering Committee and looking
for community members to join us. Members will provide vision, guidance, and oversight to the overall development of the Strategy. Our goal is to have
diverse representation from our seven districts as well as the Wasoqopa'q First Nation and relevant municipal staff. There are currently seven openings.
Members must be able to commit to the entire development timeline of January-October 2024.
Terms of Reference and the application process are being finalized and will be available soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would
like to submit an expression of interest, please email Ashley Marlin, Community Economic Development Officer, at amarlin@chester.ca. Further public
engagement opportunities will be scheduled at a later date.
5
COMMUNITY INTEREST
"IDEA" is an acronym for Inclusion, Diversity, Eq-
uity, and Accessibility. The Municipality has been
working in a variety of ways to incorporate IDEA
so that our infrastructure, services, and policies
are more inclusive.
In this new section, you will find updates and
initiatives that might be of interest, both from the
Municipality as well as the wider community.
Accessible Infrastructure
The Municipality is in the process of upgrading
the public restrooms at Wild Rose Park in Western
Shore to include features that make the facilities
more accessible. Those features are:
• Installing a concrete pad outside to ensure
that there is no raise in elevation when en-
tering the building.
• Widening the entry doors to 36”.
• Installing power operated door openers on
each entry door.
• Converting from stalls to two accessible
spaces.
• Installing a power operated adult changing
table in one of the rooms.
• Installing hands-free dispensers for paper
towel and soap.
• Ensuring toilets have clear space on either
side for transfer space, giving persons in
wheeled devices options, including pull
down hand rails.
All new sidewalks (including those built this past
summer) now include several improved design el-
ements:
• At all road crossings, tactile walking indica-
tor strips (bumpy metal plates) will be in-
stalled so pedestrians with low or no vision
will know they are approaching a road.
• Concrete will continue through commercial
driveways so that a visual path is continued.
• To ensure a flat, continuous path, residential
driveways will not be lowered unless neces-
sary due to grades.
• New sidewalks are 1.8m wide with a 1m
paved shoulder before the curb.
Stay tuned for more news on IDEA!
GREAT IDEA!
Updates on inclusivity in the MOC
mysurveys.pro/chester
HOW DO
YOU MOVE?
We welcome
your
FEEDBACK
and preferences, and you can be entered to win one
Your input will inform our
strategies to promote
physical activity and active,
healthy lifestyles
Please complete our survey
at mysurveys.pro/chester
For more information,
please contact:
Community Development
& Recreation Services
ATTN: Gord Tate
gtate@chester.ca
902-275-3490
This survey is being conducted by the NS Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage
on behalf of the Municipality of Chester.
Last fall, the Board for the Our Health Centre
(OHC) Foundation initiated a new program
that recognizes the academic achievements
of students entering into their second year of
study in a medical, nurse practitioner, or nursing
program in a post-secondary institution.
Both recipients (shown in photos provided by
OHC) are residents of the Municipality, specifically
the Village of Chester and New Ross.
The $5,000 awards honour OHC advocate and
long-time resident, Dr. Joy Calkin. Dr. Calkin was
well-respected and a pillar of her community.
Her generosity, humour, and kindness is fondly
remembered by a multitude, including many of
us at the Municipal Office. Please read on for a
few words contributed by member of the OHC
Foundation.
"OHC Foundation Announces Dr. Joy Calkin
Award Winners
When medical student Ross Porter (top right
photo) learned that he was one of two successful
applicants selected to receive a $5000 student
award from Our Health Centre Foundation,
several things came to mind. “I felt honoured
that my community recognized the hard work I've
been doing. And it was so special having known
Joy Calkin—what a wonderful person she was and
how much she did to get the health centre going.
She's left a great legacy."
The application process was open to students
entering their second year of studies in a medical,
THE LEGACY OF DR. JOY CALKIN
Award honours memory of beloved resident and recognizes achievements
nurse practitioner, or a nursing program at a Nova
Scotia post-secondary institution. Preference
was given to students demonstrating a strong
connection to the Lunenburg County area. Porter,
who is from Chester, is studying medicine and
hopes to be an anesthesiologist.
MacKenzie Connors (bottom right photo), from
New Ross, also received a $5000 award. He’s in the
nursing program at St. Francis Xavier University.
His interest in nursing formed at a young age. “My
grandmother died of cancer when I was 11. I saw
the nurses helping her, comforting and caring for
her. I decided that’s what I wanted to provide.”
There were 11 candidates for the awards, from
Dalhousie and Cape Breton Universities, St. Francis
Xavier, and the Nova Scotia Community College.
Jeff Somerville is Vice-Chair of the OHC
Foundation (left top and bottom photos) and
led the Selection Committee. “It was refreshing.
These are bright people; enthusiastic about their
chosen profession. They know the challenges of
the health care system and are dedicated to their
craft and improving the system.”
Roger Bower is the Executive Director of OHC.
“Recognizing local community members who are
starting a career in healthcare is one of the ways
we can work towards building relationships with
healthcare practitioners. I’m pleased that this
year’s awards are going to Ross and MacKenzie to
recognize their dedication to their communities
and healthcare."
PROPERTY SERVICES
6
NEW PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERS
Improve home energy efficiency with Clean Energy Financing
Homeowners in the Municipality of Ches-
ter who want to improve their home’s
energy efficiency and reduce their power
bills can now apply to the Municipality’s new
Clean Energy Financing (CEF) program.
Upgrades eligible for financing could in-
clude installing heat pumps, improving your
home’s insulation, and much more.
Clean Energy Financing might be right for
you if:
• You own a detached, semi-detached,
or row house (multi-unit buildings are
not eligible for the program).
• You are worried about the cost of heat-
ing your home.
• You are not sure which energy up-
grades might be right for you.
• You would prefer to finance any up-
grades you make.
• You need help applying for rebates.
Through CEF, you can finance up to $40,000
in home energy upgrades. The financing term
is 10 years, but there’s no penalty for paying
off the financing early, and the program makes
sure you get access to all the rebates you are
eligible for.
To learn more about the program and apply
online, visit cleanenergyfinancing.ca/chester
or call 1-844-727-7818.
WINTER STORMS AND DRIVING Be prepared this winter with these tips on winter travel
Severe winter storms and blizzards can result
in school and business closures or early dis-
missals, unsafe travel conditions, and widespread
utility disruptions. Environment Canada tracks
weather systems to mitigate potential effects, but
winter storms can strike with little notice.
In the event of an upcoming storm,
• consider your travel requirements and re-
vise plans to stay off the roads if possible;
• pack a vehicle emergency kit including shov-
el, blanket, food, booster cables, and flash-
light and put it in your vehicle;
• check on family members and neighbours
for assistance;
• charge battery-operated devices, such as
cell phones, laptops, and radios; and
• consider how you would cope with being
home (shelter in place) for three days or
more, possibly without power, and ensure
you have appropriate supplies. Once you
know how you and your family could cope
and you have the supplies you need, relax in
the knowledge that you have done what you
can. Settle in to enjoy the storm.
If you lose power, notify your electric utility pro-
vider and practice safety measures, such as:
• Have flashlights and battery-powered light-
ing ready. If you need to use candles, place
them in a sturdy base and 12" away from
other items.
• Do not bring generators in-
doors. Ensure area around
generator is well venti-
lated.
• Select a space heater that
shuts off if it tips over.
Also, keep it 3' away from
other objects and turn it
off at night.
• Turn off the stove and clear the burners and
oven to prevent a fire when power is re-
stored.
During or after the storm, clear around your out-
side oil tank, hot water exhausts, furnace and dry-
er vents, secondary entrances, and fire hydrants.
If a severe winter storm traps you in your ve-
hicle, remember these tips:
• Pull off the road and turn hazard lights on.
Remain in your vehicle as rescuers are most
likely to find you there.
• Do not set out on foot unless you can see a
building close by where you can take shelter.
• Conserve fuel. Run the engine and heater
about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm,
cracking a downwind window slightly to pre-
vent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Huddle with other passengers and use your
coat for a blanket.
• In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers,
floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for
covering - anything to provide additional in-
sulation and warmth.
• Once the severe weather has passed, you
may need to leave the car and proceed on
foot. Follow the road where possible.
WINTER WASTE "MUST DO'S"
#2#2
#3#3
#1#1 During a storm, listen to CKBW 98.1, check our web-
site or call 902-275-2330 in case collection is can-
celled.
Plow and salt/sand your private road and shovel out
your collection area. If collector can't access your
waste, they can't pick it up.
Avoid green cart issues
• remove it from the road while the snowplow could
be operating;
• prevent freezing by using paper bags or lining the
bottom with cardboard, straining excess liquid,
layering with bits of brush, or spraying the cart
with vegetable oil.
PROPERTY SERVICES
7
Recyclable paper is like lactose intolerance.
Clean plastic is like a tall glass of milk.
The two don't mix.
(hint: put your clean paper in a separate
recycling bag)
Since our last report, we received these online
inquiries.
Thank you!: We received a thank you from a
resident who felt that the Christmas wreaths on
the poles in Hubbards looked wonderful! We
appreciate the compliment and agree that the
wreaths were lovely. The bulk of the thanks goes
to the combined efforts of community volunteers,
Hubbards Area Business Association, NS Power,
and our Recreation team who lent the hardware
for hanging.
Waste bin in disrepair: The Municipality provides
central waste collection boxes at certain areas,
and a resident reported one was in bad shape. We
passed the information on to our Solid Waste staff
for repair. Thank you for letting us know!
Waste receptacles overflowing: We had two
reports of the waste stations located at Parade
Square and the Ferry Wharf (Chester) were
overflowing. We thank you for bringing this to our
attention and our Public Works staff
cleaned up the areas right away.
Trail damage and Gold River Trail Bridge
update: A resident inquired about the progress
of replacement of the Gold River Trail Bridge as
well as flood damage repairs to the trail in Chester
Basin.
Construction of the trail bridge in Gold River is
scheduled for this year with engineered design
and geotechnical work in progress. Most of
the trail damage sustained during the flood last
summer is repaired, however, we are working
with our contractor to install nine new bridges,
and that work impacts which sections can open
or close.
Requests: We received some other online
requests that are more routine, including
• green cart replacement/repair x 16
• request for waste collection information x 1
• report of waste left behind x 1
• request for property information x 2
• request for civic address sign x 1
REGISTER A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT BY:
Calling 902-275-3554. Leaving your name is
optional.
Emailing the Clerk at pmyra@chester.ca
Filling in our online form on our website at www.
chester.ca/uhoh
Coming to see us at 151 King Street in Chester.
BOSSBOSS oror BUSTBUST
GIVE ME A BREAK... ON TAXES!
Do you qualify for an exemption or reduction on property taxes?
The Municipality has set the income
level and exemption amount required
to determine eligibility for property tax ex-
emptions. You may qualify if ALL of the fol-
lowing applies:
1. The total income from all assessed own-
ers, including spouses and common
law spouses, residing at the property,
and total income from those persons
who hold an interest in the property
and contribute to the household in-
come together is less than $30,803.
2. Although all owners do not have to live
in the residence, it must be a principal
dwelling of the owner applying for the
exemption.
Exemptions are only for the residential
and waste collection portion of your current
property tax on your principal residence.
Your maximum exemption amount is de-
termined at the Municipal Office upon ap-
plying, but will not exceed $865, which is
the maximum for an income level below
$17,092. Proof of income is required and
you will need a copy of your 2022 Notice of
Assessment from Revenue Canada.
Sometimes we receive requests that belong to
other organizations so we do not have authority
to act. We generally recommend reaching out to
those organizations. We had these requests:
• Culvert replacement and ditching x 2 (NS
Dept of Public Works)
• Condition of provincial roads x 2 (NS Dept of
Public Works)
• Installing moorings (NS Dept of Natural
Resources)
• Availability of fibre-op Internet (service
provider)
• Assessed value is determined each year by Property Valuation Services
Corporation (PVSC) and generally changes every year.
• Property tax bills are calculated based on assessed value of the property
multiplied by the tax rate.
• The tax rate for the Municipality of Chester has not changed since 2017 except
for 2023/24 when the tax rate was decreased from $0.705/$100 of assessed
value to $0.695/$100 of assessed value (1.4% decrease). The commercial rate
went from $1.53 to $1.50 (2.0% decrease).
• The window to appeal your assessment closes on February 8, 2024.
• By the time tax bills go out in April, there will no longer be an opportunity to
appeal assessments.
• If your have questions about the assessment process or the assessed value of
your property, or if you wish to appeal the assessed value, please call PVSC at
1-800-380-7775 or email inquiry@pvsc.ca.
2024 PropertyAssessments are nowavailable!
Please contact the Municipal Office at 902-
275-3554 for information. The deadline to
apply for an exemption is March 29, 2024.
LinkedIn: Find us on LinkedIn by searching "Municipality of Chester" and get the latest updates on
municipal careers, opportunities for business and development, and community investment news.
Twitter: We deactivated our Twitter account at the end of July due to low engagement and viewer
restrictions. Please follow us on our other social media platforms.
Facebook: Search ChesterMunicipality or ChesterRecParks and learn about events and stories
happening in the area. If you have something to share, message us! We will post your event or
photos!
Instagram: Follow us at chestermunicipality to see photos of municipal events and daily life in the
Municipality! Tag us in your pics!
YouTube: Subscribe to modcvideo for our latest videos. We have a channel showcasing some of our
outstanding attractions and businesses, and we are hoping to add more! You can also catch the latest
Council and Committee of the Whole meetings under the 'Live' tab.
Municipal subscriptions: Sign up for the latest municipal news about Regulatory Changes (by-law
and policy including Planning), Waste Collection, Council Agendas, and more at chester.ca.
District #1
East Chester, East River to Northwest Cove
Andre Veinotte 902-277-1409
District #2
Simms Settlement, Hubbards to The Lodge
Floyd Shatford 902-275-7868
District #3
Chester and part of East Chester
Derek Wells 902-277-2263
District #4
Chester Basin and Chester Grant
Allen Webber 902-275-8373
Municipal Districts and CouncillorsMunicipal Districts and Councillors
District #5
Gold River to Martins River, including
Beech Hill
Abdella Assaff 902-277-2765
District #6
New Ross
Tina Connors 902-277-1095
District #7
Middle River to Haddon Hill/Windsor Road to
Sherwood
Sharon Church 902-277-1301
Contact Us!Contact Us!
Community Development & Recreation
Building Services/By-Law 902-275-3080
Planning/Fire Inspection Services 902-275-2599
Recreation & Parks 902-275-3490
Finance & Information Services
General Inquiries 902-275-3554
Taxation Services (incl Rebates) 902-275-3554
FOIPOP Officer 902-275-3554
Infrastructure & Operations
Public Works/Wastewater 902-275-1312
Solid Waste/Landfill 902-275-2330
Corporate & Strategic Management
General Inquiries 902-275-4147
Communications 902-275-4107
Council Inquiries 902-275-4109
Economic Development 902-275-4147
SAME-DAY CLINIC HOURS (January)
Mondays CLOSED (every Monday)
Tuesdays 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Tuesday)
Wednesdays 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Wednesday)
Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
and 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Thursday)
Fridays CLOSED (every Friday)
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (every Saturday)
Sundays CLOSED (every Sunday)
1-902-273-2098
• Call 30 minutes before each shift
• appointment required
• wear a mask
BLOOD COLLECTION SERVICES
Due to staffing challenges, blood collection
services will be available on Monday and
Thursday mornings at a reduced capacity.
Additionally, there will be no blood collection
available when schools are closed.
Should you require blood collection services
and cannot book at OHC, please go to https://
prebooking.nshealth.ca/ to pre-book an
appointment at Fishermen's Memorial or
South Shore Regional Hospitals.
Waste Collection Waste Collection starts at 7:00 a.m.starts at 7:00 a.m.